What is covered
The tuition benefit for Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTA) and Graduate Support Assistants (GSA):
- Covers base (residential instruction) tuition only.
- Applies during fall and spring semesters
- Does not apply to:
- Summer term
- Charges for Technology
- Special Course fees
- Differential tuition
- CSU Online courses
First Academic Year of Coverage
During a GTA or GSA’s first academic year of enrollment, the tuition benefit covers the student’s base tuition, regardless of whether residency for in-state tuition is established or if non-resident tuition applies.
Non-resident tuition is not covered beyond the first academic year, except in limited circumstances described below.
Second Year and Beyond
After the first academic year, tuition coverage is determined solely by the student’s residency status for tuition classification under Colorado law. Tuition benefits apply to students as follows:
- Students classified as Colorado residents for tuition purposes: the benefit continues to cover in-state base tuition.
- Students who are legally eligible to establish residency, the Tuition Benefit will not cover non-resident tuition beyond the first academic year. The hiring department or the student is responsible for the difference between in-state (Colorado resident) and non-resident tuition.
- Students who remain legally ineligible to establish Colorado residency for tuition classification purposes under Colorado law: they may continue to receive non-resident base tuition support while holding an eligible GTA or GSA appointment.
Learn more about establishing residency for in-state tuition classification in the section below.
Eligibility Requirements
As a GTA or GSA, you qualify for tuition benefits if you:
- Are enrolled in Residential Instruction (on-campus) credits. CSU Online credits do not count toward this requirement.
- Meet all assistantship requirements outlined in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin under Graduate Assistantship – Terms & Conditions of Appointment.
Coverage by appointment level
The tuition benefit coverage is based on full-time equivalent (FTE) appointment level:
- 0.5 FTE (20 hours per week): 100% of the tuition benefit
- 0.25 FTE (10 hours per week): 50% of the tuition benefit
Establishing Residency for In-State Tuition Classification
If you are broadly interested in establishing Colorado residency, more information is available on the Office of Financial Aid’s (OFA) website, and we recommend OFA’s residency orientation. It’s important to understand residency requirements before arriving at CSU, as some steps must be taken up to 12 months before submitting a petition for Colorado residency.
Please note that the desire for in-state tuition alone is not an appropriate reason to petition for Colorado residency.
Residency classification is governed by Colorado state law and is administered by the Office of Financial Aid; the Graduate School does not make residency classification determinations.